TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS

Even as parts of the US start to relax stay-at-home orders, our senior loved ones will still be under very restrictive rules for their own safety. We may not be able to visit with them right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t send along some things to help keep their minds sharp during these […]

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption. To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own. What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or […]

From McKnight’s, a great example of the benefits of music therapy. Group music therapy in an eldercare setting reduces agitation and may be a useful tool in  managing aggressive behavior, according to a new study […] Compared with residents who did not receive music therapy, the 30 residents who participated in the study exhibited fewer […]

Inspired by a similar town in the Netherlands, France opens up their first experimental “Alzheimer’s Village.” The small village, like most in France, has a cafe-restaurant, a hairdresser, a superette and a library. Neighbours have a cup of coffee and a chat on the terrace, or meet up in the park or at the gym […]

A new drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s has been approved by the US FDA, despite the protests of many researchers who feel it doesn’t really Via CNN: The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the use of the experimental drug aducanumab for early phases of Alzheimer’s disease — despite an FDA advisory […]

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the American Alzheimer’s Association has released its 5 tips for better brain health. Recommit to Brain-Healthy Basics Evidence suggests that healthy behaviors took a back seat for many Americans during the pandemic. Gym memberships were put on hiatus, social engagement became more challenging and many Americans swapped […]

A potential bombshell study, if confirmed. “Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison now investigated a stem cell treatment in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease and found that neurons derived from stem cells can integrate into the correct regions of the brain, connect with native neurons, and restore motor functions. […] Six months after transplantation, […]

The days are getting longer, the temps are rising, and it’s the perfect time to think about your elder loved ones’ financial health. Pick a day to sit down with them and follow some of these suggestions to keep their bank accounts healthy. Examine credit card & bank statements for recurring charges. Many seniors have […]

Well, this isn’t a story I expected to read. From the Daily Mail UK, “The research, from the Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam, looked at 50 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 50 with inflammatory joint pain. They looked at bacteria on the volunteers’ tongues, saliva and plaque, and compared them with 50 healthy people […]

A recent report showed that up to 1 million Americans are non-verbal. For someone who cannot easily communicate, the world can be a terrifying place. But there are some ways you can help a non-verbal loved one live a richer and fuller life. Emotion Board. A simple device showing a person expressing different emotions. The […]

The first therapy that comes to mind when you mention Parkinson’s Disease probably isn’t “boxing.” But in the Twin Cities, a former all-state athlete is taking to the squared circle in her fight against the disease. From the Star Tribune: “The idea to use boxing training techniques followed a number of studies that indicate rigorous […]

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and I’m sure most of us have an elderly loved one who needs a gift. So I’m here to help you out with some great suggestions. The Gift of Music – The SiMPL Radio & Music Player. A simple device that lets your loved one control their music […]

From the AP, a large scale study in the Empire State to help understand Alzheimer’s Researchers would aim to map the genes of one million people living with or at-risk of Alzheimer’s disease over five years through a proposed initiative at the State University of New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed Friday to establish the […]

From the NY Times, one of the more promising medical studies relating to Alzheimer’s in a long time. A newly developed blood test for Alzheimer’s has diagnosed the disease as accurately as methods that are far more expensive or invasive, scientists reported on Tuesday, a significant step toward a longtime goal for patients, doctors and […]

Sometimes the greatest hurdles when growing old are technological. Seniors often lack the muscle memory or ingrained experiences to properly use modern conveniences. But that doesn’t mean those experiences cannot be made more accessible with some basic tools and aids. Bluetooth hearing aids – An old medical device, with a modern twist. These hearing aids […]

From the AP: “Claire Dinneen’s daughters thought that worsening dementia was causing her growing confusion, but her doctor suspected something else. Dr. Pei Chen asked them to round up medicines in the 89-year-old woman’s home and they returned with a huge haul. There were 28 drugs ordered by various doctors for various ailments, plus over-the-counter […]